Newer and Better Splash Playground Opens for the Season

Canton's Splash Playground opened for the summer Monday, after construction completed over the weekend. 

Abe Vinitski, Parks, Golf & Facilities Maintenance Supervisor, said that the whole playground was redone, adding a few features and upgrading the surface. However the biggest difference is a water recycling system. 

"So now our water gets treated just like a pool does," he said. "It's a big savings. Our water costs will be drastically reduced."

According to Vinitski, depending on how hot the summer is, Canton Leisure Services spends between $60,000 and $80,000 on water rates a year from the Splash Playground.

"We have to pay the going water rates just like a Canton resident," he said.

The water recycling system could save an estimated 70 to 80 percent on water bills. 

The upgrades are being paid for by the energy and water savings with the use of an energy management contract.

"Basically, you identify projects where if you put in modern day technology or better systems to save money, the savings - whether it's in utility costs, water, power, gas - as the savings occur, that funds the capital improvement over a period of time," Vinitski said. 

The Splash Playground is located in Heritage Park near Heritage Hideout. The free playground is open everyday through Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times. Water shoes are recommended.